Top Chefs We'd Want as Our Boss

The great thing about watching the contestants on Bravo's Top Chef is getting to take an inside look at their lives, both in the kitchen and in the bunkhouse. But unlike most reality shows, the main focus is on the professional aspect, which allows us to scrutinize the cheftestants' work habits. After all of the freakouts, meltdowns, and other anxiety-ridden performances we've seen, a few shining stars stand out as Top Chefs we'd love to be our boss. (We promise this has nothing to do with how I  I mean, we  feel about our current boss!)

The Sexy Boss: Sam Talbot, Season 2 Fan Favorite

What Sam Talbot has: Um, have you looked at him lately? I confess, this one is purely self-serving, but I would have no problem getting out of bed if I got to come to the office and see that smile every morning. Not to mention, he's been officially "listed" — voted one of the top 10 sexiest chefs in New York City. Yes, I would work for him. The only potential problem? Loss of productivity due to daydreaming, doodling, and other middle-school activities.

The Innovator: Richard Blais, Season 4 Finalist

Richard is so creative and so full of enthusiasm it's contagious. He embodies the think-outside-the-box mentality that always creates a challenging, exciting, and changing workday. He's a trendsetter and well ahead of the curve, which means plenty of innovation. It also means the potential for awesome and cutting-edge ideas, and recognition, always a plus. And, of course, though the faux-hawk may be gone for now, Blais definitely has the so-hot-right-now science-nerd vibe working in his favor.

The BFF Boss: Lee Anne Wong, Season 1

Lee Anne is fun. She has sincere enthusiasm and dedication. She's the kind of boss you imagine saying, "Hey, do you want to skip out a little early and get a margarita across the street?" ... at 3:00 ... on a Tuesday. Plus, in Wong's official bio on Bravo, she says she loves being around other talented chefs that share her passion, but will happily call out anyone who tries to fake their way through. Straight Shooter + Fun to Be Around = No B.S. Boss. Lee Anne is so great that Bravo hired her as the culinary producer on the show after the season ended. Wong also continues her hilarious Webisode series, The Wong Way to Cook, demonstrating cheftestants' winning recipes after each show.

The Perfectionist: Hung Huynh, Season 3 Winner

Hung Huynh is admittedly a little bit cocky, but he did win, after all. His extreme confidence is backed by an even stronger skill set — and who doesn't want to work for the best? Working for Huynh would be a little bit of trial by fire — but proving yourself to the best in the business is worth the second layer of skin you'll have to grow to please this perfectionist. The downside? If you outshine Huynh, you risk a passive-aggressive attack that could last for weeks.

The Boss Who Has Your Back: Casey Thompson, Season 3 Finalist

Casey Thompson is personality all the way. She just seems so nice. Throughout the season, she consistently stepped in to help the contestants whenever she could, offering culinary expertise and a listening ear to friends CJ Jacobsen and Brian Malarkey. Yes, she has the potential to get frazzled. Case in point: At the season finale in Aspen, Thompson had some seriously overcooked pork belly, which raised an eyebrow with guest judge (and sous chef) Michelle Bernstein. Despite the nerves, I'd still take her on talent, personality, and the fact that she'd always have my back. Besides, if you can keep your cool when the boss gets frazzled, you'll come out of any situation looking like you really know your stuff.

The Mentor: Stephanie Izard, Season 4 (and First Female) Winner

Stephanie Izard commands respect — not because she's overly aggressive or demanding, but because of her raw talent, modesty, and the ability to share the credit. I'd work for her based solely on the look of surprise and delight on her face when she was announced winner of season 4. She's the best kind of boss: talented (and knows it), hard worker (paired with high expectations), and genuinely humbled by her own success. She's also a trailblazer, having the distinct honor of becoming the first female named Top Chef. I can't think of a better person to bust through the glass ceiling.